If you work hard and find ways to contribute, the firm really is a meritocracy.

Background

I went to Georgetown University as an undergraduate, where I double majored in Finance and International Business. I received my MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Getting Started at Goldman Sachs

When I started here, I was impressed at how strong the culture is. During my training, we were introduced to some of the firm’s most senior leaders, all of whom stressed the importance of doing right by our clients.

I also learned the importance of teamwork; our instructors always talked about “the work we do,” not “the work you do.”

Working in Investment Management

Given the depth and breadth of the work that we do for clients, we interface and partner with lots of different people and groups within the firm. Within a week, it is not uncommon for us to work with over ten different groups ranging from specialists in estate planning and taxes to single stock risk management. As such, our ability to work as a team is essential in terms of providing our clients with exceptional service and advice.

Career Development

I think mentoring is a great way to provide career advice in an informal setting. The firm places a lot of importance on it, and it demonstrates that the firm cares about our well-being.

The person who has influenced me the most is my managing director. Watching his success, it is clear how far hard work and being a good person will take you. His ethos of “do good and good will come your way” is the right one for a service-oriented business, and it influences every action I take.

Making a Difference

A lot of the work that we do with our clients revolves around their philanthropic efforts. We work to make them more efficient and productive, and so I think we have a strong positive impact on our communities.

Challenges

Goldman is always challenging me to find ways to be better at what I do. If you work hard and find ways to contribute, the firm really is a meritocracy.